Chargers UDFA Steven Richardson worthy of a spot on 53-man roster

The Chargers ranked near the bottom in run defense in 2017. While there are multiple factors as to why they were nearly last in this category, one of the biggest reasons for their inability was the interior defensive line. The production of their defensive tackles was less than optimal.

Los Angeles addressed the position by selecting former NC State DT Justin Jones, but that doesn’t mean it has been shored up completely. L.A. won’t see Corey Liuget until week five, Brandon Mebane has regressed and the depth is still weak. That is why UDFA Steven Richardson out of Minnesota has the opportunity to prove that he’s worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster and could be the team’s diamond in the rough player.

The Chargers may have gotten a hidden gem in former Minnesota DT Steven Richardson as an UDFA. At one point, I was a slightly high on him. Undersized, but motor always runs hot, decent counters, wins a lot with his natural low pad level. pic.twitter.com/m0uu2M6T4d

Standing at 6-foot and 292 pounds, Richardson is coming off a productive career for the Gophers, where he amassed 103 total tackles, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 43 games.

Richardson uses his height to his advantage. He almost always seems to win battles involving leverage because he is built so low to the ground. For his size, he holds up in the middle of the line. He is not easy to move in the run game and is slippery when it comes to getting around offensive linemen to get into the backfield.

His leg drive and motor are exceptional as he never gives up on a play. Richardson shows off his quickness most often when rushing the passer. He uses his hands very well to shed blocks. When he gets held up in one gap, he can counter quickly to the other to make something out of nothing.

The former Minnesota product is a player who is going to offer a ton against the run, he will most often demand and eat double teams so that other members of the front-seven can provide pressure.

Given his skillset, he fits into the rotation to his position versatility. While he played mostly nose tackle in college, he will play the 3-technique for the Chargers as well.

Richardson will have his work cut out for him to make the team, as does any undrafted free agent. But, he has the traits that will work in his favor and should catch the attention of the coaching staff throughout the next upcoming month.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Chargers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Chargers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.